Name: Pumpkin Pesto
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 6 Servings
Cuisine: American

Jule’s Menu Verified

February 13, 2026

This intensely flavorful pumpkin pesto is quick and easy to make, combining pumpkin puree with roasted pumpkin seeds, Parmesan, fresh arugula and basil, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and a touch of soy sauce. Enjoy it tossed with pasta, spread on sandwiches or fresh bread, used as a dip for vegetables and chips, or to add a savory boost to grain and veggie dishes.

From the Cook

1/6

Pumpkin Pesto

Jule’s Menu Verified

Ingredients

WarningMilk and 4 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Roast pumpkin seeds in a pan over medium heat without fat for three to five minutes, until light roasted aromas have formed and they smell aromatic.

Peel and finely dice the garlic, cut or grate the Parmesan cheese. Wash and spin dry the arugula and basil.

Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. (Alternatively, blend in a tall container using an immersion blender.) Finally, season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Toasting Seeds Technique 🥜
Dry-toast pumpkin seeds in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and create a crunchier texture before adding to the pesto.
Flavor Layering Trick 🌿
Blend sun-dried tomatoes and garlic first to create an intense flavor base before incorporating the pumpkin puree and fresh herbs for a more complex pesto.
Moisture Balance Secret 💧
If the pesto seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water or extra olive oil to achieve the perfect creamy consistency without losing flavor intensity.
Umami Depth Booster 🧂
Use a small amount of high-quality soy sauce as a flavor enhancer, but add it incrementally to prevent overpowering the delicate pumpkin and herb notes.
Storage Pro Tip 🏺
Store pesto in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation and maintain vibrant color for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

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About the Cook

Jule’s Menu

Hi, I’m Julia, and I’m the recipe developer, photographer, and author behind Jules’ Menu. I’ve spent the last eight years perfecting healthy everyday recipes so they strike the perfect balance between healthy and nourishing, simple and practical, and gourmet-level delicious.